Children
In children, scoliosis is usually diagnosed by physically examining the spine, ribs, hips and shoulders.
Initially, scoliosis is often diagnosed by a GP or a school nurse, who will then refer your child to an orthopaedic specialist (a specialist in conditions that affect the skeleton).
The orthopaedic specialist will take an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis of scoliosis. The X-ray images will also help to determine the shape, direction, location and angle of the curve.
If the curvature of the spine is severe or if the symptoms are unusual – for example, if your child has back pain, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be recommended.
Adults
In adults, the first stage in diagnosing a suspected case of scoliosis involves carrying out a physical examination of the spine and taking a series of X-rays. In some cases, you may need a computerised tomography (CT) scan.
During a CT scan, a series of X-rays are taken and a computer is used to assemble them into a more detailed image of the inside of your spine. This can be a useful way of detecting bone weaknesses due to conditions such as osteoporosis.
If you have symptoms suggesting damage or irritation to your nerves, you may be referred for a test called a myelogram. This is a more advanced type of X-ray where a special dye is injected to highlight the area around the spine.
A discogram is a similar procedure to a myelogram. It involves injecting dye around the discs of your spine to help detect any damage to the discs.
